Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a rethink of Ghana’s healthcare workforce structure and a stronger push towards local pharmaceutical production after concerns were raised about opportunities for young pharmacists entering the profession.
The Vice President made the call on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 when she received a delegation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) at her office.
The meeting, which formed part of engagements ahead of the Society’s 90th anniversary celebrations in September, focused on healthcare delivery, professional development, and the future of Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.
Addressing concerns raised by the Society regarding the placement and career prospects of young pharmacists, Professor Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana must continually review and strengthen its healthcare system to meet changing demands.
“We must be prepared to interrogate existing structures, rethink how professionals are trained and integrated into the workforce, and identify innovative ways to create opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
Her remarks come at a time when concerns over graduate unemployment and limited opportunities within parts of the health sector continue to dominate public discourse.
The Vice President argued that one way of creating sustainable opportunities for pharmacists and other health professionals is through increased investment in research and the development of Ghana’s traditional and herbal medicines.
According to her, scientific validation and commercial development of locally available medicinal resources could reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical products while creating jobs and expanding the domestic healthcare industry.
She said developing a robust local pharmaceutical market would not only strengthen healthcare delivery but also provide new avenues for professional placement and entrepreneurship.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further stressed that Ghana possesses significant untapped resources that could be transformed into viable healthcare solutions if supported through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana also used the meeting to highlight its continued contribution to healthcare delivery, including its support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares).
The Vice President commended the Society for its advocacy in free primary healthcare, pharmacy education, and professional regulation, describing its 90-year journey as a testament to the indispensable role pharmacists play in Ghana’s health system.
She reaffirmed government’s readiness to support proposals and collaborations aimed at improving healthcare services and strengthening the pharmaceutical profession.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to sustained engagement on policies and initiatives that will improve healthcare outcomes while creating more opportunities within Ghana’s growing pharmaceutical sector.
